Travelling independently to Pool in the Park 

Andrew has a great sense of humour and always likes to be involved in conversations. He has to rely on a mobility scooter to help him move around his day to day activities.

Before the pandemic, Andrew frequently visited Pool in the Park by minibus from the Woking Resource Centre. This meant he had to rely on transport as well as staff supporting him to be able to visit the pool.

Colleagues knew how much Andrew enjoys exercising, particularly swimming. However, it was not until they were collaborating with Andrew in his person centred plan, that they realised he would like to travel to the Pool in the Park independently. 

Colleagues have helped Andrew develop his independence by exploring how far his scooter can take him. It was discovered that Andrew can easily make the journey to the Pool in the Park and back home on his scooter, with plenty of energy spare. Andrew has since been taking himself swimming independently and enjoys every moment of it.

Whilst chatting to Andrew, he said “It is good being outside in the fresh air, and it is good to be able to go where I want. I like being able to come to the Pool in the Park and be able to talk to my friends who I go swimming with.”

When Andrew goes swimming, he uses the mobility scooter friendly lifts at the Pool in the Park. This enables him to access the upper floor level where he can eat his lunch and have a drink. He is also able to independently access the changing rooms on the lower level.

“Swimming is an activity that Andrew looks forward to each week. He gains great benefit from the buoyancy of the water, which gives him much more freedom in his movement than he has when he is out of the water. It also helps Andrew with maintaining his muscle tone and his general fitness.” – Patrick Allen, Activity Facilitator.

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